Iran to manufacture drone for other countries: Official

Iranian Deputy Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL) says Iran produces more than 20 types of drone defined in three long-range and high, moderate, and short-altitude species.

ScanEagle assembly line in Iran

Mohammad Eslami said long-range drones are strategic drones. "moderate-ranged drones are assigned with the missions of surveillance and look-out in high-endurance flights, and short-ranged drones have wide range of applications, including training, drills, and providing support to brigades with permanent operation in specific zones," he explained. "These short-ranged drones have the maximum range of 200 Km, and is the most widespread type of drones in offensive, defensive, and explorative operations," he asserted.

The Deputy Defense Minister emphasized that moderate-ranged drones have limited applications compared to short-ranged species, and find applications in explorative operations with flight endurance of at least 12 hours. "Mohajer family of drones belongs to this category of drones," he added.

" in the third layer, that is, strategic and long-ranged drones, Iran has great achievements, with designing and developing fighter jet engine, installed in Karrar combat drone," said the Deputy Minister, and hoped that " Iran unveils new strategic drones with flight altitude of 30,000ft. and flight endurance of 24 hours, with wide range of applications."

He pointed out that in May, 24, 2013, Iran will unveil its latest drone with highly advanced technology.

Eslami also pointed to Ayub drone technology transfer to Lebanese Hezbollah. "With Lebanon locating in Iran's strategic depth, they can use our facilities and achievements," he added.

"Today, Iran's drones are highly demanded by different countries, and we have transferred the assembly line to these countries, and have exported some products. We have great market for our drones," he emphasized.